CVREP ARTISTIC DIRECTOR RON CELONA’S RETIREMENT PRODUCTION IS A WINNER

L-R: Julie Garnye, Jeffrey Landman, Janna Cardia 
and Michael Bullard in CLOSER THAN EVER

Shakespeare said it best in his play Romeo and Juliet - “Parting is such sweet sorrow!”   “Closer Than Ever”, the winning musical revue production now on the CVREP stage with music by David Shire and Lyrics by Richard Maltby, Jr., is the logical, perfect-fit production for founding Artistic Director Ron Celona to surrender his theatrical director’s hat and enjoy his retirement. 

Celona has been a highly successful theatrical force in the Coachella Valley for over twenty-five years. It was his ambition to create an Equity regional theatre company in the Coachella Valley as a way of bringing professional writers, actors, directors and technicians to our Valley residents. 

Broadway is 3000 miles away in NYC; Palm Springs is 110 miles from LA.  Do the travel math and the money. The Valley is now sitting on a gold mine of talent, creative professional and regional performers both homegrown and imported. Celona’s dream is now a reality, so support all local live theatres in the Valley.

This musical revue, of love lost and love found, vividly comes to life thanks to four highly skilled singer-actors who know their way when it comes to singing two, three, and four-part harmony. Fans of Stephen Sondheim’s music written in the minor key with lyrics that sound like dialogue will feel right at home with “Closer Than Ever” which is smartly and crisply directed by Ron Celona.

David Shire's music and Richard Maltby, Jr.'s lyrics are spot-on for today’s theatergoers. The music may not be as melodious as the traditional Broadway sounds and cadence of years ago, but the lyrics nicely capture the aching poignancy and sophistication of a musical revue written 33 years ago that still touches on and reflects the foibles of today’s human condition.  Actually, we humans abhor change; we are very comfortable in our various ruts.  However, the power of love is the only potent force that endorses and embraces human change.

The four talented professional performers who breathe life into this winning production are Julie Garnye, Jeffrey Landman, Janna Cardia, and Michael Bullard. Together, and in duets or solos, the cast is like the proverbial ‘pizza man’ - they also deliver…but just the performing goods.

There are 24 musical numbers in this show that brilliantly touch the full range of human emotions.  It’s practically impossible to resist the nostalgic pull of this production and its wonderful cast who all shine in their various numbers. 

Especially relevant, poignant and at the same time comedic are some of the musical numbers: “You Want to Be My Friend”, sung by Julie Garnye and Jeffrey Landman; “Pattern”, sung by Janna Cardia; “Life Story” also by Cardia; “I’ll Get Up Tomorrow Morning” by Jeffrey Landman; “One of the Good Guys”, sweetly sung by tenor Michael Bullard; also his duet with Mr. Landman and their plaintive wails in a number called “Fathers of Fathers” hit the marks -  the men of the world.  

Julie Garnye and Janna Cardia deliver the wisdom of love’s adventure between men and women in “It’s Never That Easy/ I’ve Been Here Before”. The full cast numbers have the four-part harmony songs neatly paced along with sharp timing and the ‘acting stuff’ down pat.  They make for a must-see evening of life’s ups and downs as a winning experience.  I also suspect the ladies in the audience will embrace the musical’s relevancy a tad differently than the men. But always remember it takes two to tango in life’s journey

The creative technical department led by Director Ron Celona, features the depth and talent of Music Director Scott Storr, who had to turn over his piano accompaniment and conducting chores on opening night to David Andrews Rogers, who graciously stepped in for Mr. Storr. But not to worry, Mr. Storr will be back in his director chair soon.

CVREP’s Emmy-winning design wizard Jimmy Cuomo creates a functional set that is awash in a sea of sparkling neon colors and doors that really matter in this enjoyable production.  Lighting Designer Moira Wilke Whitaker cleverly paints the stage with just the right amount light to compliment the performers when called for.  

Costume Designer Frank Cazares gets high marks for his costume designs. His sleek black evening dress worn by Ms. Cardia is simple yet elegant and eye-catching.

Hair designs and makeup by Lynda Shaeps have been winning awards for years. Sound Engineers Karlene “kiKi“ Roller and Joshua Adams complete the creative team. Paul James Tenaglia stage-manages the show.

POSTSCRIPT: 

My sources have informed me that the new Artistic Director at CVREP will be announced within a fortnight.          

“Closer than Ever” is a splendid production not to be missed. For tickets and reservations, call CVREP at 760-296-2966, ext. 114

Remember… a great nation deserves great art.  Support all the arts!

-- Jack Lyons

PLAYWRIGHT KATORI HALL’S POTENT AND INTRIGUING REIMAGINING OF MLK, JR'S “DREAM” SPEECH SCORES AT DEZART PERFORMS

Cortez Johnson and Shante DeLoach in Dezart Performs
Production of "The Mountaintop"

It’s been two years that audiences have been denied the pleasure of sitting in live theatre venues. However, the thrill and the excitement of attending an opening night performance never goes away; the experience is too seductive. The good news is that Coachella Valley theatre companies are venturing out and reaching out to entertain their loyal audiences once again.

Case in point is Dezart Performs of Palm Springs and their current production of “The Mountaintop”, written by award-winning playwright Katori Hall, which presents her riveting reimagining of the last night on earth of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

The play, directed by Artistic Director, Michael Shaw, is set in Memphis, Tennessee at the Lorraine Motel, in Room 306 amidst a late night thunderstorm.  Dr. King (nicely played by Cortez Johnson) is going over his notes for his soon to be famous “I Have a Dream” speech the next day. He is tired and worn out from the rigors of being the country’s civil rights leader.  He calls the front desk to ask about some food only to be told the kitchen is closed for the night. A minute later a knock at his motel room door reveals Camae, a maid (sassily portrayed by Shante Deloach) with a tray of food and coffee ready to serve him.

“The Mountaintop” is play where the audience needs to pay close attention to the story to fully appreciate its many metaphors running throughout this provocative, 90-minute, no intermission production. There are just two talented actors who flesh out Ms. Hall’s quasi-spiritual points of view that are both earthly and a tad salty at times. After all, we’re dealing with and observing flesh and blood characters here… or are we? No spoiler alerts from me. One has to attend this splendid production for oneself.

That’s the beauty of Ms. Hall’s play. She forces the audience to think about matters in life that are really important. Dr. King is fully aware of his position and his destiny and all that it entails. Mr. Johnson’s deft performance hits the mark in his nuanced interpretation.

Ms. Deloach’s character, as the conscience of the audience, must either accept or reject what she believes. Both characters are firm in their knowledge. The chemistry between Mr. Johnson and Ms. Deloach is palpable which is what makes the play so watchable, and hopefully, will expand our own life experience with its enlightenment.  

“The Mountaintop” is produced by director Shaw and Video and Sound designer Clark Dugger. The technical team led by Shaw includes Set Designer Thomas L. Valach; Lighting Designer Derrick McDaniel; Frank Cazares, Costume Designer; Lynda Shaeps, Wig and Make-up Designer; Greg Thorneycroft, Props and Effects Master; and Yvans Jourdain, Assistant/Director and Fight Choreographer.

The icing on this splendid must see production cake is the wonderful projections sequence created by Clark Dugger. They’re simply first class.  Nathan Cox stage manages the production.

There is a short window to see this show, which only runs through to March 13th.  For tickets and reservations go online to DezartPerforms.com.

Remember, a great nation deserves great art… support all the arts!

-- Jack Lyons